† preˈtex, v. Obs.
[ad. L. prætexĕre to weave before or in front, to border; to place before as a covering, to cloak, disguise, pretend; f. præ, pre- A. 4 + texĕre to weave.]
1. trans. To put forward as a pretext; to allege as a reason or excuse; to pretend; = pretext v.
| 1545 Joye Exp. Dan. xii. 210 Leste their rasshnes (as thei pretex it) shuld confirme the enimies of the gospell. 1562 in Ressoning betuix Crosraguell & Knox B iij b, Thairfore keip your promes, and pretex na ioukrie be my Lorde of Cassillis writing. |
2. To cover or shield with a pretext; to cloak.
| 1548 Patten Exped. Scotl. L j b, Pretexyng this his great vngodlines..with coolour of religion. ? a 1566 Edwards Sonn. i. (R.), O neuer let ambition's pride, (Too oft pretexed with our Country's good)..Or thirst of wealth thee from her banks divide. |